O's: Game 1: O's def. A's

In case you haven't noticed yet? There's a pitcher down in Baltimore. His name is Erik Bedard. Because he doesn't have that sparkly 12 or 13 win total, you don't hear about him much. But take my word for it, he's pretty good. It looks like pushing Bedard's start back from Wednesday was a smart move.

Final Score: Orioles 6, Athletics 1
WP: Bedard (9-4, 3.12 ERA)
LP: Blanton (6-7, 3.53 ERA)

Erik Bedard continued his domination out in Oakland yesterday. He carried a no-hitter into the 6th inning, where he lost both the no-hitter and the shutout on a solo homerun to Mark Ellis with two outs. Over seven innings, that was the only hit Bedard allowed. More importantly, he struck out 11 As on 105 pitches. Bedard continues to lead the league handidly on strikeouts, with 167. The next closest on that list is Johan Santana, with 140 strikouts.

Paul Shuey and Chris Ray contributed an inning each, giving up no runs and striking out one each.

The offense was a team affair. Brian Roberts contributed two RBI, with Nick Markakis, Ramon Hernandez, and Kevin Millar each contributing one.

Tonight at 9:05pm ET, the Orioles continue with game 2 of their series against the A's. It's a tough order for the O's, as RHP Steve Trachsel (5-6, 4.95 ERA) takes on AL all-star starter Dan Haren.

Trachsel is making his return off the DL tonight, coming back from a strained gluteus muscle. Garrett Olsen was optioned back to AAA-Norfolk because the club would rather he gains regular work as a starter.